7 Devotional Resources You Might Consider Using (including 1 that you should absolutely be using!)




It can be difficult to know where to start with personal and family devotions. If you're a member at Hope, I'd encourage you to make use of our weekly VDMA Prayer sheets, but if you're looking for more, here are some suggestions. 

1. The Bible

You literally don't need anything more than your Bible. It is the Word of God! Take up and read!

What should you look for in a Bible? 

  • An accurate translation. I recommend ESV, CSB, or NLT (you can learn more he
    re    ) 
  • A large enough type that it's not too much work to read
  • Size: do you want a smaller Bible that you can carry with you or one that will remain on your nightstand? How does the Bible feel in your hand? These might not seem overly important, but they are helpful in making for a more enjoyable Bible reading experience. 
Other things to consider
  • Do you want a Bible without cross references or with cross references?
  • Do you want study notes? 
  • Do you want a Bible reading plan included?
  • Do you want a hard cover, a synthetic cover, or a leather cover? (Avoid bonded leather)
My favorite Study Bible is The Lutheran Study Bible

Good options for smaller Bibles are
NLT Pitt Minion (but only if you have good eyes)


2. The Treasury of Daily Prayer 

The Treasury of Daily Prayer is a fantastic resource.

It contains
  • Daily readings from the OT, NT, and Psalms
  • Suggested readings from the Book of Concord
  • A suggested hymn for the day
  • Daily prayer liturgies, including Matins, Vespers, Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, and settings for throughout the day 
  • Prayers
  • Luther's Small Catechism
  • and more (you can see a sample here)
Here's a video that shows a bit about this wonderful resource. 

3. Lutheran Hour Ministries Daily Devotions

Are you pressed for time? The Lutheran Hour Daily Devotions are available to read on your computer or phone, but they're also available in audio form through pretty much all of the podcast apps. You can listen as you get ready in the morning or on your way to work. 

4. To Live With Christ by Bo

To Live With Christ is a devotional that is meat, not milk, yet it is easily understandable. The format is to read the daily Scripture reading, read the devotion based on the reading, and then pray the prayer at the end as a start of your prayers but to then add your own prayers to it. 

5. Living Planted

Living Planted provides resources for family devotions for every day of the year. It's another good option to consider for you and your family. 

6. Around the Word

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller puts out a weekly devotion sheet called "Around the Word." It is simple, yet deep. 

7. A Year with the Church Fathers: Meditations for Each Day of the Church Year

If you've ever been curious to read some of the writings of the church fathers, here's a great way to do so. There's a daily Bible reading from the OT, NT, and Psalms, a prayer, and a teaching from the church father's for each day. (We have some copies of this available in the church office if you'd like to borrow one for the year). 

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